Book of Matthew - Chapter 22 - Verse 3
Meaning
The verse "And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come." can be found in the Bible in the book of Matthew, chapter 22, verse 3. This verse is part of a parable told by Jesus known as the Parable of the Wedding Feast. In this parable, a king is preparing a wedding feast for his son and sends out invitations to his guests. However, when the time comes for the guests to attend the feast, they refuse to come. The king then sends out his servants again to call the guests to the wedding, but they continue to refuse. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of heeding the call of God and accepting his invitation to partake in the blessings and promises of the kingdom of heaven. It highlights the rejection of God's invitation by those who are too preoccupied with worldly matters or who simply refuse to acknowledge His grace. It also serves as a warning about the consequences of rejecting God's invitation and the need to be responsive to His calling.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of the verse "And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come" can be viewed in the context of God's invitation to mankind through Jesus Christ. The wedding feast symbolizes the kingdom of heaven, and the guests who were originally invited represent the people of Israel who rejected the message of salvation. The servants sent by the king can be seen as the prophets and disciples who were tasked with spreading the good news of the Gospel. Despite their efforts, many still refused to accept the invitation. This verse highlights the importance of responding to God's call and not turning away from the opportunity to partake in the blessings of his kingdom. It serves as a reminder that God's invitation is open to all, but it is up to individuals to accept and partake in the joy of his salvation.